Article Summary

An F1 visa holder and her US citizen husband faced an unexpectedly difficult USCIS marriage-based green card interview despite submitting extensive proof of their eight-year relationship. Awkward questions about their proposal and courthouse wedding led to confusion, resulting in the case being placed under review for 120 days. This experience left the couple feeling anxious and highlighted the intense scrutiny of the immigration process.

TNP AI: Key Insights

This personal account offers critical insight for all green card applicants, especially those transitioning from F1 status, emphasizing that USCIS interviews are highly scrutinizing, even for long-term relationships. It highlights the immense anxiety and potential for delays that can arise from subjective questioning and perceived inconsistencies, underscoring the necessity for meticulous preparation beyond merely providing documentation.

USCIS has a historical mandate to prevent marriage fraud, leading to intense scrutiny in interviews; this case exemplifies how even minor perceived discrepancies can trigger significant delays. This story will likely prompt more applicants to rehearse their personal narratives thoroughly, potentially increasing reliance on immigration attorneys for interview preparation advice to navigate these high-stakes, deeply personal encounters.